Keeneland Opening Day Spot Plays for April 2

The much-anticipated Keeneland Spring Meet will commence on Friday, April 2. Opening day features an excellent 10-race card, highlighted by a trio of stakes races including two of the graded variety.

Wagering at Keeneland is always a worthwhile endeavor, especially during the initial weekend, with so many horsemen pointing their runners for a start at the picturesque Lexington, Kentucky, venue. And it’s common for substantial payoffs at Keeneland, too.

Below are my particular races of interest on the Friday card:

Race 4 -- Allowance

A rich field of six sophomore fillies will go postward in a seven-furlong dirt affair. Smashing debut winner #4 Carribean Caper (9-5) looked too good in her unveiling at Fair Grounds to go against in this heat for conditioner Al Stall. Speightstown filly was live on the board and ran like a star while being geared down late. The dark bay could evolve into a real nice one.

#3 Hindsight (10-1) ran just evenly in her seasonal debut at Tampa Bay for Vickie Oliver, but I expect her to offer much more second off the bench. Bay ran well from a pair of juvenile tries in 2020, including a runner-up performance at first asking at Keeneland. I will tab her to rally and run second.

Wager

• $20 exacta 4 with 3
• $4 exacta 3 with 4

Race 6 -- Maiden Special Weight

Conditioner Todd Beattie doesn’t ship too many horses to the Keeneland meeting, but when he does I take notice. #2 Stand By You (6-1) will make her first start with Rosario in the silks. Munnings filly is training in swift fashion in advance of her debut, and I expect her to be sent from the break while drawing near the rail in a big field. The dark bay moves up even more if she takes early money.

Wager

• $10 WPS #2 Stand By You

Race 10 -- Maiden Special Weight

#7 Gigi B. (10-1) gives the impression of a filly who will take a big step forward in her second career assignment. Trained by Brendan Walsh, the daughter of Street Sense broke poorly from the rail in a sprint at Gulfstream Park in a strong field when tiring to sixth late.

The $190,000 yearling purchase stretches out, adds blinkers, and also receives a much better post for this affair. In addition, the Kentucky-bred posted a strong five-furlong move on the surface in preparation for her initial local run. She is the right price with Gaffalione riding her once again.

Wager

• $2 exacta: 7 with all
• $1 exacta: all with 7